AARP WV Virtual Volunteers Get Legislation Passed

This article about virtual volunteering was contributed by AARP West Virginia State President Jane Marks.

At AARP WV, volunteers are at the heart of our work- as well as the key to our success.  We could not do all we do, reach areas all over the state, share reliable information, and make a distinct impact with the WV legislature without our wonderful volunteers.   The COVID-19 Pandemic may have changed how we interact but our dedication to making life better for those age 50 plus and their families here in the Mountain State has not changed.   We went virtual in 2020 and had great legislative success!

The AARP WV Volunteer Team is dedicated and passionate about giving back to our communities and making a difference.  What’s more, we’ve become like family - supporting each other, sharing ideas with each other, learning new skills, and having fun!

And now we WANT YOU!!!   We are looking to expand our corps of volunteers!  It’s early fall now but the January Advocacy Season will be here sooner than you think.  We are looking for folks who are interested in being a Virtual Advocacy Volunteer. You will be working with us this fall on our legislative goals, participating in Zoom meetings with legislators, fellow volunteers and staff.  You can help to get vital legislation passed by writing letters, sending emails and making phone calls during the Session.

Our work will always focus on our priorities such as:
Supporting family caregivers - protecting long term care services and supports including home and community-based services, and work place flexibility;
Financial Resilience - preventing elder financial exploitation, protecting public pensions and fighting to ensure fair and equitable taxation; and
High speed internet -also known as broadband -to make sure we are ALL connected. 

As a new AARP Advocacy Volunteer you will only be asked to engage on things you are comfortable with. 

You may be thinking, I don’t know how to do this sort of thing!   But when you join our inclusive family of volunteers, we will provide all of the training and support you need in order to make a difference, make new connections, and have fun at the same time.  If you can log on, you can be a virtual volunteer.  If you can click, you can be a virtual volunteer.  IF you can use email, you can be a virtual volunteer.   Becoming involved and making a difference, is as easy as that. 

Give us a try this fall and for this upcoming legislative session, it will be  an exciting experience even if you are just listening and learning.  You can have a front row seat for all the action.

If you then decide, no this is not for me, that’s fine - but I guarantee you will walk away with knowledge that will help you help a neighbor or a friend in the future. 

If you are interested, send us an email at aarpwv@aarp.org. and we will provide you with more information.  Come on, give it a try!

You’ll be glad you did.